Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 6-18-25

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for June 18, 2025

All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.

We start with local news…

Missing Teens (Press Release)

The Columbia Police Department is trying to locate a 16-year-old runaway juvenile, Jezzibelle Curry. Jezzibelle was last seen Saturday in the area of Williamsport Pike. Jezzibelle is 5’02” tall and weighs 95 pounds with brown hair and green eyes.

Also The Columbia Police Department is trying to locate a 14-year-old runaway juvenile, Izak Cuarrezma. Izak was last seen Saturday in the area of Lion Parkway wearing a black hoodie, black pants, and carrying a black backpack with orange trim. Izak is 5’02” tall and weighs 120 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes.

Any person with additional information that may assist in these or any other investigation is encouraged to contact Columbia Police Department Dispatch (24 hours) at 931-388-2727, Maury County Crime stoppers at 931-381-4900, or Columbia Police SAFE Tip Email to SafeTips@ColumbiaTN.Com

Second Arrest Made in Shandor Street Shooting (MauryCountySource)

On June 16th, Spring Hill Police Department detectives, with assistance from the Clarksville Police Department, arrested La’Taveious Lee, 18, in Clarksville, Tennessee.

Lee, a resident of Columbia, Tennessee, is charged with two counts of reckless endangerment in connection with a June 6 shooting on Shandor Street.

According to investigators, Lee and a 17-year-old juvenile — who was arrested June 12 — exchanged gunfire following a planned drug deal that went bad. A one-year-old was injured when one of the stray bullets hit them while they slept. The investigation is still ongoing and more charges may be pending.

Spring Hill’s Budget Passes Comptroller (MauryCountySource)

On Monday, June 16, the City of Spring Hill received official word from the State of Tennessee Comptroller’s Office that the City’s 2026 Fiscal Year budget has been approved, receiving recognition from the State Comptroller as being a “Distinguished Submission.”

The budget was submitted shortly after it was passed on second reading by the Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Aldermen on June 2, via Ordinance 25-13.

“This recognition reflects the exceptional dedication of our finance and administrative teams and the collaborative effort of our entire Board of Mayor and Aldermen,” said Mayor Matt Fitterer. “Receiving this ‘Distinguished Submission’ commendation demonstrates Spring Hill’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparent governance for the residents of Spring Hill. This budget represents BOMA’s commitment to delivering essential services while maintaining the financial stability our community deserves.”

The City of Spring Hill has worked hand-in-hand with the State Comptroller’s Office throughout this budget submittal process.

Finance Director Rebecca Holden and Budget Manager Chelsea Perryman spearheaded the effort from the City side, even presenting a presubmission of the budget to the State in May, which received positive feedback and met all requirements and expectations of the State.

“We commend the governing body and local officials for submitting a well presented, timely, and organized budget. Complete and detailed submissions allow our office to efficiently review the budget and provide an accurate assessment within a timely manner which supports financial health in local governments in the State of Tennessee,” stated the letter from the Comptroller’s Office.

“We greatly appreciate the detail, time, and effort that you put into the budget submission and look forward to continuing our work with Spring Hill to make government work better.

If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact Communications Director Lucas Wright at lwright@springhilltn.org.

Duncan Appointed Battle Creek Principal (MauryCountySource)

Maury County Public Schools (MCPS) Superintendent, Lisa Ventura, announced Laura Duncan as principal of Battle Creek Elementary School (BCES). Earlier this year, Duncan served as the interim principal of Battle Creek Elementary in addition to the district’s Elementary School Coordinator. She returns to the principal role after being the inaugural principal at Battle Creek Elementary School from 2019-2021.

“We are thrilled to welcome Laura back to Battle Creek Elementary School,” said Maury County Public Schools Superintendent, Lisa Ventura. “Her deep connection to the school’s community, combined with her proven leadership and passion for student success, makes this a truly special homecoming.”

Duncan’s impressive 29-year educational career began in Florida as a teacher. Over the next 21 years, she taught in the Metro-Nashville Public School System, Franklin Special School District and Van Buren County school district. At Spencer Elementary School in Van Buren County, she served as a teacher, accountability director, assistant principal, and principal over a 15-year span.

Before joining Maury County Public Schools, Duncan was an Instructional Leadership Manager and 2nd grade core coach at the Tennessee Department of Education. Additionally, she served as an Adjunct Professor at Middle Tennessee State University in 2023.

“It is an honor to return to Battle Creek Elementary School and the incredible team there,” said Duncan. “I look forward to the upcoming school year and the opportunity to serve BCES students and families. It’s great to be a Battle Creek Cub!”

Duncan earned a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She earned a Master of Arts degree in instructional leadership and an Education Specialist degree from Tennessee Technological University.

Legislators Recap Session (MSM)

At Columbia State Community College last Monday, State Sen. Joey Hensley (R-District 28), State Rep. Kip Capley (R-District 71) and State Rep. Scott Cepicky (R-District 64) spoke on the legislative accomplishments of the last session of the Tennessee General Assembly, then conversed with their constituents about Maury County’s recent gun violence and possible legislative solutions.

The legislators reported that the General Assembly had once again fulfilled its legal mandate, to pass a balanced annual budget, to the tune of $59.8 billion. The state government has worked with budget surpluses for most of the last several years because of recent business growth, and, Hensley said, “We’re always looking for ways to cut taxes.”

Hensley spoke highly of the budget and several bills that passed, including the termination of DEI-based preferments in government and education, increased penalties for selling chemical-abortion pills and school mandates guaranteeing elementary students 40 minutes of recess and banning cell phone use during instructional time. Hensley and Cepicky collaborated on the last two bills, noting that similar local policies have already borne fruit. The superintendent of Warren County testified to the General Assembly that he’s had to carry a whistle at lunchtime ever since the district banned cell phones.

“Because the kids don’t have their cell phones at lunchtime, now they talk to each other,” Cepicky said, recalling what the superintendent had told the Assembly.

Behavioral problems reportedly fell sharply and social skills and academic performance improved, in the Warren County school district at the same time. Hensley and Cepicky said they hope the state law will show similar returns.

Cepicky was also very proud of the state’s achievements in third-grade literacy, which hit a 20-year high this school year. He cited a study which found that women in the state penitentiary system typically read at a third-grade level and men at a first-grade level, but 70 percent of them hold high school diplomas. By contrast, the state went from 29 percent literate in 2021-22 to 40 percent last year — the largest leap in state and possibly national history. And teachers are on the state-level committees that audit and shape the tests.

During the question period, Cepicky defended the practice of retaining kids reading below grade level by pointing out that in almost all retention cases, the parents agreed and cooperated with the school. The state is also spending $198 million on teacher raises, and sums in the single-digit millions on summer school, district performance incentives, charter schools, new facilities, security and subsidies for fast-growing districts. He wants to “push for maximum autonomy” so that Tennessee can use federal educational block grants as it sees fit.

“We’re very serious about education in Tennessee right now,” he said.

They also reassured the listeners again (one of whom held up a sign that read “Vouchers = Segregation”) that public schools wouldn’t lose funding if any students took the voucher money and left; adding that Tennessee only wishes to support parents in educating their children however they see fit. The state added $264 million (most of it in teacher raises) to the budget this year, making education the state’s second-most-funded item after TennCare (which receives most of its $19 billion budget from Medicaid).

Cepicky mentioned proposals to create a sliding scale for TennCare eligibility, so that people wouldn’t decline to accept a raise or promotion at work for fear of passing into a higher bracket and losing their health insurance.

Hensley also praised the governor and legislature for taking care of the state’s water supply, especially from the Duck River. Gov. Bill Lee’s desired $100 million in funding for the Duck River Watershed Planning Partnership was cut during the legislative process, but remained at $65 million. The Columbia Dam, he assured listeners, was on the table as a possible way to guarantee water supply. Hensley said he is also happy to report that the bill to yank landfill protections from Class II Scenic Rivers, like the Maury County stretch of the Duck, was dropped for the session by its sponsoring legislators.

First-term representative Capley, who praised the Finance, Ways and Means Committee and subcommittee on which he sits, spent the session learning the ropes for how things get financed and approved.

“I’ll be honest with you, we spend a lot of money on pretty stupid things,” he said.

He also called attention to his and Hensley’s bill HB0856/SB1407, inspired by looting after the hurricane in East Tennessee, to allow people to use or threaten deadly force to protect their property, which is currently a Class C felony in Tennessee if the property owner isn’t being personally threatened. The bill is currently stuck in the judiciary committees.

The budget includes $1 billion for road projects, like the ones Maury County and its cities are clamoring for TDOT’s help with, but Capley pointed out that the state is $38 billion behind on such projects. He promised to do what he can to hold off on borrowing money and prevent the costs from “killing taxpayers.” Cepicky added that the state is sponsoring labor training through the TCATs, to create enough road workers to meet high demand. He touted the $70,000 salary that these workers could expect to receive fresh out of the training program.

He also applauded the legislature’s designation of $25 million to protect farmland from development. Families running up against the hard limits of agricultural yields and prices, who would be tempted to sell out by fat checks from developers and solar farms, can instead receive yearly payments from the state for the land they pledge to keep using for crops and livestock.

“We get squeezed more and more, and asked to feed more and more mouths,” said Cepicky, a career cattle farmer; adding that government help would allow farmers to remain farmers.

Up in the air are several amendments to the state constitution. Cepicky named SJR 1, a prohibition on a state property tax (which wouldn’t restrict municipalities’ ability to collect them); SJR 25, giving judges discretion to deny bond for particularly heinous personal crimes; and the Marsy’s Law amendment, which would expand the constitutional rights of crime victims and their families. He added that the last two have bipartisan support.

A group of mostly women sat near the front of the theater and murmured loudly or held up protest signs at times. They demanded near the end of the forum to talk directly to the legislators rather than silently submit questions, and all three men agreed to do so after the forum.

The group’s main concern was gun control, in light of the three injurious and deadly shootings in the last week in Columbia. The legislators dismissed it as politically impossible and theoretically undesirable.

“If… law-abiding citizens [can’t] get guns to protect themselves, criminals will still get firearms,” Hensley said.

“There’s already too many restrictions on the Second Amendment in the state of Tennessee anyway,” Capley said, to guffaws from the group in the audience.

He also expressed his opposition to red-flag laws and preferred, based on his experience in medical administration, to fund rural and private mental-health services and incentivize doctors to see as many patients as possible.

The questioners also charged the Republican supermajority (75 of 90 seats) in the General Assembly with not caring about the concerns of Democrats and liberals in their state, and asked the legislators on stage to represent them too.

“I have conversations with my colleagues across the aisle… who want to be reasonable,” Cepicky replied, citing his collaboration with the representative of Davidson County on the 40-minute recess bill. “I’m a policy guy, not a ‘leadership’ guy… Whether you’re a Republican or a Democrat or an independent, you have to live under the same laws.” He counter-claimed that the Democratic legislators are reluctant to talk to the Republican legislators in public — they fear being seen as too friendly and getting primary challenges.

“It’s an honor to serve you in the General Assembly,” Capley said to finish his remarks. “I work for you, you don’t work for me.”

“We appreciate the opportunity to represent each and every one of you, even when you disagree with us,” confirmed Hensley. “I’m happy to dialogue with anyone.”

Habitat Announces New Leadership (MauryCountySource)

Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury (HFHWM) announces the upcoming departure of President and COO Jennee Galland, who will be stepping down in June 2025 after more than 12 years of dedicated service.

“Jennee and I were hired together over a decade ago, and we’ve been shoulder-to-shoulder in this work ever since—both here at home and on global builds,” shared HFHWM CEO Kim Randell. “She has been a steady, passionate force for Habitat, pouring her heart into every home, every family, and every project.”

During her time at HFHWM, Jennee has left an indelible mark on the organization. Her leadership has touched every department, from growing the annual Hammers & High Heels fundraiser and expanding HFHWM’s community footprint, to overseeing home construction and mentoring staff. Her vision and dedication have helped shape the organization into what it is today.

As Jennee transitions to new opportunities, HFHWM will consolidate its co-leadership model. CEO Kim Randell will assume full leadership responsibilities, continuing to guide the organization with the same heart and strategic direction.

HFHWM Board of Directors Chair, Kim Varga, shared the following statement, “The dual leadership model we embraced—with Jennee Galland and Kim Randell at the helm—was the perfect fit during a pivotal season of growth for our organization. Their shared leadership brought balance, vision, and strength, allowing us to deepen our impact and expand our reach in the communities we serve. With Jennee Galland now choosing to pursue the next phase of her career, the Board of Directors has thoughtfully evaluated our leadership structure and made the decision to transition back to a sole-leader model. This shift reflects our ongoing commitment to focused leadership, clarity, and continued organizational momentum.”

Randell brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership and a steadfast commitment to affordable housing and community development. She joined Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury in 2013, and over the past twelve years has held progressive leadership roles culminating in her appointment as CEO in 2022. During her leadership tenure, the organization has expanded its critical repair program, launched new neighborhood developments, and grown its annual budget to over $5 million. Kim brings not only vision, but a boots-on-the-ground understanding of how safe, stable housing transforms lives, knowledge gained from years of direct service, global builds, and hands-on community engagement.

She is a graduate of the Leadership Middle Tennessee Class of 2023, a program that unites regional leaders to address pressing issues across the state. Since December 2021, she has served on the Franklin Housing Commission, contributing to housing policy and planning in the region. Additionally, Randell holds board positions with Habitat for Humanity of Tennessee and the Tennessee Affordable Housing Coalition, where she collaborates with statewide partners to advance equitable housing solutions. The organization is optimistic about this next season and looks forward to its continued growth and ability to serve local families. On the horizon, HFHWM is developing a neighborhood in Columbia, TN that will provide safe, affordable housing for sixteen families.

For more information about HFHWM or to get involved, please visit hfhwm.org.

And now, news from around the state…

12 Indicted for Prison Riot (Fox17.com)

 A Middle Tennessee grand jury indicted 12 individuals Monday for crimes connected to a riot at Trousdale Turner Correctional Center earlier this month.

On Sunday, June 8, inmates took over guards at the correctional facility. The prison, located in Hartsville, about an hour northeast of Nashville, is run by CoreCivic, a private company currently under a U.S. Department of Justice investigation for its treatment of inmates.

According to CoreCivic, a group of inmates refused to return to their cells, set small fires and assaulted a correctional officer in the prison yard. The riot prompted response from Trousdale County deputies and Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers.

Now, Trousdale County District Attorney General Jason L. Lawson says more indictments related to the riot are to come. He added that investigators continue to look over footage and identify more individuals involved.

he 12 individuals indicted each were given multiple charges including:

• Aggravated riot

• Inciting a riot

• Robbery

• Aggravated assault

• Aggravated kidnapping

• Vandalism

• Contraband in a penal institution

Names of inmates indicted will not be released until they have been served with a copy of their charges.

After the riot broke out, Lawson called for leadership overhaul at the privately run facility.

New Exhibit at Parthenon (Tennessean)

When three babies were born prematurely in sculptor Alan LeQuire's family, neonatal intensive care pioneered by the late Dr. Mildred Stahlman helped save their lives. Now, the artist's new exhibit at The Parthenon in Nashville pays tribute to the physician and other influential women who have profoundly impacted many lives.

The "Monumental Figures" installation in The Parthenon's art museum at Centennial Park in Nashville opened June 13. It honors 22 women from Nashville and across the country. Stahlman is credited with creating the first newborn intensive care unit in the country to use monitored respiratory therapy on infants with damaged lungs. The unit opened in 1962 in Vanderbilt University Hospital, then located in what is now Medical Center North.

Inside The Parthenon, the likeness of the doctor and other honorees surround one of LeQuire's most celebrated pieces, the 42-foot golden sculpture of Athena. It turns 35 this year and took eight years complete. Last year, its location was an answer on an episode of the TV quiz show Jeopardy!, which named it as the tallest indoor statue in the U.S.

After studying in Europe, LeQuire was motivated to use his talents "to ennoble and memorialize real people, not emperors, kings and queens or gods and goddesses."

Outside Nashville's Parthenon, one of the sculptor's new works features a colossal head that honors the late Fannie Lou Hamer, the daughter of impoverished sharecroppers who became a leading civil rights activist.

LeQuire remembers watching television at age 9 when Hamer testified at the 1964 Democratic National Convention about her unsuccessful attempt to register to vote in Mississippi.

"It still moves me today and I think it profoundly changed the course of the Civil Rights Movement," he said.

To build and install the exhibit honoring Hamer, Stahlman and others, LeQuire worked with eight young artists eager to learn from the master.

"All the work in this exhibit was produced by hand, without the use of computers," LeQuire said. "For me, the satisfaction of making sculpture is physical as well as mental.

"Sculping requires physical involvement, otherwise there is no craftsmanship."

His exhibit also features suspended sculptures that were inspired by gold-medal winning Olympians, including gymnast Simone Biles, runner Wilma Rudolph and swimmer Katie Ledecky.

The "Monumental Figures" exhibit will be on display through Sept. 21.

Learn more at www.nashvilleparthenon.com.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Nashville-based singer/songwriter Hailey Whitters announced a headline tour in support of her critically-acclaimed new album Corn Queen out now via Pigasus Records / Big Loud Records / Songs & Daughters. The tour will kick off on September 4 with a performance at The Nashville Palace.

Whitters has also announced a Corn Court contest where she will crown a Corn Queen & King at every date on her upcoming Corn Queen Tour. Each winner will receive a backstage meet and greet with Hailey before the show for each winner and one guest, signed merch, a one-of-a-kind “Corn Queen” or “Corn King” sash, and of course, a corn crown.

Find tickets at www.haileywhitters.com.